Sibal challenges Modi to debate

Indo Asian News Service

1 November 2013

New Delhi, Nov 1 (IANS) Law Minister Kapil Sibal Friday challenged the BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi to a public debate and said the Gujarat chief minister doesn't have any vision for the country.

"What is his (Modi's) vision on education and foreign policy. He has no vision. His constant refrain is that the Congress party has destroyed India. Rid the country of Congress," Sibal told reporters here.

The minister said: "Why rid India of the Congress? What has the Congress done. I challenge Modi today to a debate with me. He can chose the subject, the date, the platform and the language... I am ready."

"Till now, he (Modi) has not been able to address a press conference, how will he come for a debate. He can just give speeches," he said.

Observing that the Gujarat chief minister was always angry and agitated, Sibal said: "We want to see him smile. He uses language which is against the culture of India. He is always acrimonious and attacking."

The law minister said it was time to move from individuals to larger issues.

"They talk of transparency and accountability. Look at the kind of Lokayukta in Gujarat... it is in his hands, he makes the appointment," he added.